Phased Repatriation Begins Amid Regional Tensions, Torkham Reopens

The Reopening: On Thursday, March 26, 2026, Pakistan temporarily reopened the Torkham border specifically to facilitate the return of Afghan refugees. The repatriation is being conducted in phases through registered locations, with the Hamza Baba camp serving as a primary transit point.A heavy security presence remains in Landi Kotal and surrounding areas. This follows the temporary suspension of Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq—Pakistan’s military campaign against militant targets in Afghanistan, for the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. The border had been closed to migrant traffic for nearly a month due to escalating regional clashes and high-intensity strikes in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces earlier in March.

This move marks a shift toward “border discipline” as the government enforces its Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP). While the border is open for returnees, commercial trade and regular travel for passport holders remain largely suspended or strictly restricted.

The Repatriation Strategy: Safety and Registration

To prevent mismanagement and ensure national security, the government has deployed a multi-agency task force:

• Coordinated Agencies: NADRA and the FIA are managing biometric verification, while the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) handles transport logistics.
• The Hamza Baba Camp: This serves as the critical “holding and registration” center where returning families are processed before crossing the zero point.
• Phased Movement: Officials are controlling the volume of people per day to avoid the humanitarian bottlenecks seen during the mass returns of late 2025.

Regional Context: The “Eid Pause”

The reopening of Torkham for refugees coincides with a fragile humanitarian window:

• Ceasefire Status: Brokered by Qatar, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia, a temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and the Taliban administration was agreed upon for the Eid holidays.
• The “Ghazab-lil-Haq” Campaign: Despite the current pause, the Pakistani Ministry of Defence has clarified that military operations against cross-border terrorism will resume after the festive period if security guarantees are not met.
• Refugee Appeals: Afghan Shura representatives recently urged the government to allow students to complete their education and for traders to settle outstanding debts in Pakistan before their final departure.

Humanitarian Impact & Financial Aid

For those returning, the transition remains difficult due to the ongoing economic crisis in the region:

• Cash Assistance: Eligible Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders are currently receiving a one-time multipurpose return grant of approximately 11,500 Afghanis (roughly $178 USD) upon arrival at the Omari Reception Center on the Afghan side.
• Urban Evictions: Reports from Peshawar, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi indicate that many families are choosing to return now due to increasing pressure from local authorities and the non-renewal of residence permits.

Border Status Scorecard: March 27, 2026

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